|
Q: How long does a grooming take? A: A typical Spa session takes 2-3 hours. However, times can vary according to size, age, type of groom, temperament, coat condition, etc. When we see your pet we will be able to give a more accurate estimate on how long your pet's spa experience will last. Furthermore, we ALWAYS call when your pet’s groom is finished.
Q: Do you accept walk-ins? A: If we have the availability and you can show proof of vaccinations, we are happy to accommodate walk-ins.
Q: Do you groom sedated pets? A: From time to time, we do groom pets that require mild sedatives. The prescription must be written by the pet’s veterinarian and administered at home 1-2 hours prior to the scheduled appointment
Q: What is hand-stripping and do you offer it? A: Yes, we do offer hand-stripping. This process is used on coarse coated dogs, usually terriers, to maintain proper coat texture and color. We pluck out the dead guard hairs by hand, making it possible for new hair to grow in. For more information on hand-stripping, please visit Handstripping.com.
Q: Will my pet be muzzled for the grooming? A: It is our preference to not muzzle the pets in our care. We always try working with them at first. However, aggressive pets may be muzzled for their safety and ours. A handling fee may be charged if the pet is severely aggressive throughout the entire groom.
Q: Can I stay with my pet? A: We prefer that our pet parents not stay for the duration of the groom. It is often difficult to groom an excited, wiggling, tail-wagging pet who is that way because their parents are nearby. It can also be dangerous. However, that said, if it helps (and there are instances when it does); then by all means…please stay!
Q: What info is needed for our first appointment? A: Pet parents must bring a copy of their pet’s vaccinations or a recent vet record. The township of Lyndhurst now requires that we keep all our pet’s current vaccination records in shop (Ord. No. 2806-11).
Q: Can my pet only get a haircut and no bath? A: We want all pets to look their best leaving our salon. This cannot be achieved if the coat is not properly prepared to our standards. Also pets not cleaned immediately before their styling, carry some dirt and debris in their coat, causing our grooming tools to break down much more quickly. As a result, all pets must be bathed by our technicians.
Q: How can I learn to best maintain my pet's style between groomings? A: Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have about how to maintain your pet’s coat. If you are interested in a more in depth learning experience, we can offer a private tutorial session for you and your pet. Our stylists will go over what tools work best on your pet and why, how to use them safely and efficiently, tips and techniques on how to get your pet's cooperation, and finally how to make this a fun bonding experience for you both.
Q: When should I start bringing my puppy for professional grooming? A: It is a good idea to bring your puppy for his first grooming between 3-6 months old (once they have had 2 sets of vaccines). It will help introduce them to the grooming process, and socialize them with people and other dogs. We also suggest that you start brushing your puppy every day and getting them used to having their paws and face handled.
Q: How often should I groom my dog? A: Regular grooming is recommended to keep your dog's coat and skin in the best condition possible, plus it socializes your pet and gets them used to being brushed, bathed, and handled. No matter what the breed, you should take your dog in for a grooming at minimum four times a year (that is every 12 weeks - Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall). If you prefer a higher maintenance clip, or have a dog prone to matting or shedding, then we recommend more frequent visits. You may choose to bring your dog in for regularly scheduled appointments every 4, 6 or 8 weeks. However, dogs with undetermined hair growth (meaning their hair keeps growing, just as ours does) need grooming every 4-6 week. This will maintain an optimal look and will help prevent matting. To keep shedding down on ANY pet, regular grooming is also recommended. Professional grooming can easily reduce the shedding by removing a lot of the undercoat for you. A 4-6 week cycle is recommended for maintenance de-shedding. If you have a "bath only" dog (Lab, Rottie, Boxer etc.) we also recommend every 8 weeks. This will help your dog maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Q: What about mats? A: Matting is a very serious problem for dogs. Mats left in a dog's coat only grow tighter, and can damage the skin, or even tear it open. Mats are often deceptive, hiding in areas that don't get much visual attention from owners, such as under the belly, under the tail, and in the "armpit" area. If you are not on a regular brushing regimen with your dog, you may be unaware of these "secret" mats. These mats can trap moisture, urine and fecal matter tightly against the pet's skin, allowing mold, fungus, or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that can be very uncomfortable for your dog.
Q: I brush my pet, why is he matted? A: Matting is caused by a number of things.
Q: How come my dog’s hair gets matted so quickly? A:The truth is if you want a longer hair style you have to brush your dog’s hair at least once every day or every other day. Just imagine not brushing your own hair for 2 or 3 months- a dog’s hair is no different.
Q: My pet has a lot of mats, is it necessary to shave them out? A: It depends on the severity of the matting. Minor mats can sometimes be worked out, but many times shaving down. Your groomer will try to leave the coat as long as possible, but if the mats are very tight, shaving may be the only option. Remember, it grows back, and your pet will feel better! Severe mats can cause skin irritations and hide other conditions such as hot spots, dermatitis, seborrhea, cuts, scabs, sores and redness. It is not unusual to encounter these problems when the coat is stripped from a badly matted animal and it is definitely in your pets best interest to address them.
Q: My dog's mats require a shave down, what can I expect? A: Pets with matted coats need extra time and attention during grooming. We use extreme care when removing a badly matted coat, but there are risks involved. Some of those risks include nicks, cuts, or abrasions due to warts, moles, and skin trapped in the mats. After effects of mat removal can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritation and failure of the hair to regrow. Shaved pets are also more at risk of sunburn and should be protected from the sun until the hair has grown sufficiently to protect the skin. In some cases, brief behavioral changes may be seen, but the vast majority of matted dogs show immense relief and happiness after removal of a matted coat.
Q: What can I do to prevent matting? A: Prevention is by far the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments. Brushing your dog at home is also very important. We are always happy to demonstrate proper brushing techniques for you as well.
Q: How often should I groom my cat? A: How frequently you groom your cat depends on a number of factors including:
In general, cats with long hair need much more frequent grooming, often on a daily basis. Cats with short hair can be brushed several times a week. Cats who are overweight or ill, often have less ability or desire to groom themselves. Older cats who may have arthritis may also tend to groom less. These cats should be groomed on a more frequent basis. Cats do not shed the same amount of hair all year. At those times when your cat is shedding less, especially if she's a 'shorthair,' you may brush or comb your cat and remove very little hair. Other times, it may seem to come out in buckets. The more a cat is shedding, the more often you need to groom her. This will also greatly decrease her risk of developing hairballs.
Q: Should I have my pet groomed in the winter? A: Yes! Grooming is a year round process. Some people prefer their pet’s coat longer during the winter months. However, a longer coat has a greater chance of developing matts and tangles. Matts do not allow proper airflow through the coat and this can lead to health problems. Short haired breeds also need attention in the colder months. Pet skin can become dry and flaky due to a lack of humidity in the colder air. Regular shampooing, conditioning and brushing can help stimulate the natural oils to ease the dryness.
Q: Why Do Dogs Drag Their Bottoms? A: This is a very common question for dog owners. When dogs drag their bottoms on the carpet or outside on the grass, it means that their anal glands are bothering them. The anal sacs are located just inside the dog's rectum. Their purpose is to "mark" their territory with the dog's own special scent. However, when the anal glands are too full, dogs will try to empty them by dragging his/her bottom. Unless the dog drains his/her anal sacs, it causes them pressure and pain.
Q: How Often Should Anal Glands be Emptied? A: This varies from dog to dog. The best recommendation is to watch your dog's behavior. If he starts scooting, it is time to have their anal glands checked at the vet or with the groomer. If the scooting continues for more than a few days after sac emptying, the sacs should be re-checked. For some dogs, the sacs may be emptied several times in a row before they stay emptied. If you are certain the sacs have been properly emptied yet your dog continues scooting, another cause may be present such as itchy skin, tapeworms, or even lower back pain. Expression of the anal glands is a simple procedure that can be performed at home, by your groomer or veterinarian. Most people prefer to let the vet or groomer take care of this task because it can be messy and quite unpleasant. |
